yorp effect

Questions

What does yorp effect mean?

The effect of solar radiation on an asymmetric asteroid or other small body whereby its rate of rotation increases, potentially leading to the object's eventual disintegration.

Where does yorp effect come from?

From the first letters of the surnames Yarkovsky, O'Keefe, Radzievskii and Paddack + effect. Coined in 2000 by American geophysicist David Perry Rubincam.

How to pronounce yorp effect

1. Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “yorp effect”.
2. Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling () so you know which sounds to aim for.
3. Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “yorp effect”.
4. Repeat and practice — Say “yorp effect” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.